We thank
all those friends and well wishers who have extended their cooperation to
prepare this document.

MATU-Peoples' organisation

Cover Photos:

Warehouse
of grains in Khand Village, Bhagirathi Valley

Announcement
of struggle the bank of Bhagirathi River by villagers of
Chaam,31-3-2002

Agitation
of Tehri residents on Bhagirathi Bridge,31-3-2002

Women
of village Bhaldiyana

Women,
Still struggling in Tehri Town

Publisher: -

'MATU'-Peoples'
organisation

By-Village Chham, Tehri,
Uttrakhand.

By-D-105, Ganesh Nagar, Pandav Nagar
Complex,

Delhi-110092

Ph.-91+11+2063871

Email-Vimal_bhai@hclinfinet.com

Readers are free to cite or quote any portion of this
document, provided the source is mentioned. Contribution-25

S.
No.

CONTENTS

Page
No.

OurSubmission

2

Tehri
Dam Project

4

Executive
Summary

5

1.

Affected
Areas of Tehri Dam Project

9

2.

Safety-
Environment- Rehabilitation

11

3.

Rehabilitation
Policies

13

4.

Land:
Games Being Played

18

5.

Environmental
Clearance

20

6.

Who
Will be Submerged?

With
the Dam: After the Construction of the Dam

22

7.

The
Cut off Area

Indirectly
Affected Areas of the Dam

24

8.

Some
Important Contact Addresses

25

9.

Why
Secrecy and From Whom?

26

10.

Rehabilitation
(?) Sites

29

11.

Thanks
to the Monsoon!!!

32

12.

Water
Level in the Reservoir:

As
Narrated by the Bridge

33

13.

Historical
Importance of Trihari (Tehri)

35

Annexures:
Some Important Documents

1.

Demand
Charter of MATU

Peoples' Organisation

38

2.

Demand
Charter of Tehri Bhoomidhar

Visthapit
Sangthan

40

3.

The
Resolution of 10th March, 2002

41

4.

Dams
in Uttarakhand

42

In
Their Own Words

45

Our
Submission

In
November 2001, two reports on rehabilitation of Tehri displaced people were
published. The first report was published by 'Dams, Rivers and Peoples'
Network of South Asia' (SANDRP), which drew following inferences:
--------

(Testimonies
from the ground, www.janmanch.org/newsletter)

In summary, the principal findings of this report
are:

· There is practically no participation of TDP
affected people in the process of displacement, resettlement or rehabilitation,
even if we leave aside the lack of participation in project decision,
implementation and monitoring and options assessment.

· The present packages offered to people are
unjust and inadequate to ensure that resettlement will lead to attainment of
original standards of living.

· The R&R policy, packages and institutional
set up adopted for the project does not confirm to policies existing in India
for other projects like that of Sardar Sarovar Project, or to the draft National
R&R policy, or to the norms set out by the WCD report. For example, SSP
policy provides a minimum of five acres of irrigable land with irrigation
provided by the state, to each oustee family, with each major son above 18 years
considered a separate family. In the case of Tehri, the provision is for 2 acres
of unirrigated land, and even that is not applicable to all the
affected.

· Twenty-six years after project construction
began; there is still no R&R Master Plan.

· There is no information about the Rehabilitation
Monitoring Committee andits grievance redressal function among the people,
giving rise to doubts about whether it has been constituted. The people have
neither been consulted by such a Committee, nor have they been able to put
across their grievances.

· There is no decision making process that would
have enforceable linkages with the construction of the dam and consequent
submergence and displacement. Legally enforceable norms on R&R are
conspicuous by their absence.

· While people report a
high incidence of corruption and nepotism, there is no independent, credible
Monitoring or Evaluation agency or system even regarding displacement,
resettlement and rehabilitation issues. Utter lack of transparency on the part
of the project and R&R authorities add to the doubts of achieving a just and
proper R&R.Although
the dam is to be completed by 2002, or, even if as the Administrative Officer
said that it would take at least till 2005, a large majority of the people has
not been allotted their lands and where they have, rehabilitation is far from
satisfactory. Begun in 1976, it seems surprising, and alarming, that a quarter
of a century later, the rehabilitation process is nowhere near satisfactory
completion. The people live in perpetual fear of what the future will bring.
Stress and angerlevels within the communities are high. A lot of youth told
us that they would fight till their last if their lives were going to be
destroyed because without proper rehabilitation they were certain to die anyway.
Information is confused or non-existent and participation seems ill defined at
best, a word thrown in to sound politically correct, but lacking
substance.

The people displaced by the Tehri project seem to have a bleak
future --worse off than they were before the project; pauperized in the name of
development. Ironically called Tehri Development Project, this dam seems no
different from previous precedents of large dams, the failures of which are
acknowledged even by the Government of India (see GOI October
2000).

The
second report was published by 'Peoples' Union for Civil Liberties', which
highlighted rampant corruption and other irregularities prevailing in Tehri Dam
Project.

qOut of a
total outlay of Rs. 582 crore for rehabilitation measures, only Rs. 94 crore has
been earmarked for the displaced people.

qOut of
the budget for rehabilitation, residential premises for District Magistrate and
the Superintendent of Police at a cost of Rs. 47 lakhs and Rs. 43 lakhs
respectively. A sum of Rs. 2 crore was earmarked for a field hostel, though no
amount was spared for building 'Dharmashalas'.

qSale of
residential flats by the rehabilitation authorities like
builders.

qRehabilitation
becomes the business of moneybags.

qLack of
clear rehabilitation Policy and disregard for Government
Orders.

qSignificant
recommendations of Dr. Hanumantha Rao Committee were not
accepted.

qFlawed
evaluation of socio-economic structure of the community.

qExodus
of people rather than meaningful rehabilitation is happening in
Tehri.

Even
after one year, the same situation prevails, without any worthwhile change in
sight. After one year of publication of these reports, the Diversion Tunnels NO.
T-3 and T-4 have been closed and the Central, State Government and the
Corporation made an announcement to the effect that Diversion Tunnels T-1 and
T-2 would be closed shortly. In spite of these developments, the State
Government is not seriously concerned about the issues of rehabilitation, what
to talk about the question of adequate compensation for land. Government,
Corporation officials and contractors are making constant visits to those places
from where construction materials have to be acquired and are giving false
assurances to the people that all their grievances would be resolved.

qSoil was
taken for construction purposes from DOBRA village, yet the villagers have not
been fully rehabilitated.

qThe
people residing in CHHAM village of Bhagirathi Valley have forcibly stopped
survey work of houses. They are demanding that land should be physically shown
and house compensation and land rates should be settled before further
survey.

qIn the
adjacent villages of KHAND, BIDKOT, SAROT etc., neither the compensation amount
of land has not been finalised nor the issue of whether these villages have to
be declared partially or fully affected resolved so far.

qEven
after 4 years of award, the displaced people have not been allotted land. For
instance, BIDKOT village in the Bhilangana Valley is yet to receive
land.

qSince
stone has to be acquired form ASENA village in Bhilangana Valley for dam
construction, the government promised immediate rehabilitation. However, the
reality is that coercive means have been employed to suppress the struggles
launched by the villagers. 48 villagers had been put behind bars as of 8-9
December 2002.

qAlthough
project authorities claim that they have offered land in Pathri(haridwar District) to the displaced people, the reality is that
people have been repeatedly rejecting the offered land.

q5
families returned from New Tehri in the third week of October to amenities-less
old township of Tehri.

After
long discussion with the affected people in the month of May 2002, MATU,
Peoples' Organisation prepared a Charter of Demands (Annexure-I), which was
submitted, to the Central and State Governments including all the members of
legislative assembly of Uttarakhand. In addition, a series of meetings have
taken place between the government agencies and Tehri Bhoomidhar Sangthan on
their Charter of Demands (Annexure-II), but the problems are yet to be
resolved.

In fact,
the amount of silt, which has already accumulated in the reservoir, should have
occurred in the next 25 years.

In this
context, the following issues are most topical:

qWhy the
reports of Geological Survey of India have not been made public so
far?

qWhy the
meeting of Co-ordination Committee on Rehabilitation has not been held for the
past one year?

qWhy the
Special Grievance Cell as recommended by Dr. Hanumantha Rao Committee and
approved by the Central Government, has still not been constituted?

Tehri Dam Project

1)Tehri
Dam

# For
generation of electricity, facilitation of irrigation and creation of a
conservation reservoir, a 260.5 m of Rock fill Dam was envisaged on the
Bhagirathi River.

# An
underground power-generating unit to generate 1,000 mega watts of electricity
(4x250 megawatts) through traditional turbine generating sets was to be set up
in the first phase of the construction of the Tehri Dam.

# In the
second phase of the construction of the Dam, another underground generating unit
to be set up with associated pump turbine units of a capacity of 4,000
megawatts.

2)
Koteshwar Dam

# On
Bhagirathi River, 22 Km. downstream from the Tehri Dam construction site in
Koteshwar, a concrete dam of 103.5 meters height, having a capacity of 400
(4x100 megawatts) would be set up for generating electricity and a balancing
water reservoir to be created in the same place.

# To
create two single circuit of transmission for transmitting 765 Kilo Volts of
electrical power form Tehri and Koteshwar projects and to lay electric lines to
the northern areas, particularly till Meerut.

Executive
Summary

Affected
Population, Families, Township and Villages

The
Tehri Dam Project has affected around 125 villages including the old Tehri town.
Tehri Township along with 39 villages is going to be fully affected and another
86 villages (number may possibly increase) would be partially affected. Wherever
less than 75 percent of the families are in the displaced category and have to
be rehabilitated, all those villages have been categorised as partially
affected. That means that even where 74 families out of a total population of
100 families are eligible for rehabilitation, they have been classified as
belonging to partially affected villages.

The
number of fully and partially affected villages may increase since a fresh
survey of the rim area by the Geological Survey of India has been commissioned.
One of the earlier reports by the Geological Survey of India had identified the
same area as unstable. Many villages are located in the unstable area and a
special mention had been made about three villages, namely KHOLA, KANGSALI AND
JALWALGAON in the report. However the process of land acquisition is still
continuing in the villages of the unstable area.

According
to a new estimate made by the Rehabilitation Directorate, around 5291 urban and
9238 rural families would be affected due to construction of Tehri Dam. 3810
rural families have been partially affected by the Dam.

In
reality, however the number of affected families is much higher. As of now, the
number of urban families displaced by the dam has reached 5,500 and the number
of rural displaced families is more than 12,000.

The
State Government has deliberately submitted lower figures of the displaced
families in the affidavits filed in the Supreme Court of India this year (2002)
while ignoring the actual situation on ground. The Govt. has still not compiled
aggregate statistics of the affected people. However, if it is assumed that each
urban family has roughly 5 and each rural family consists of 7 members, the
total number of affected persons, may in fact, be more than 1 lakh. Even 1605
families of government employees have been categorised as displaced
families.

Committees and their
Recommendations

Tehri
Dam had been mired by controversies even before it was cleared by the relevant
authorities. Though the announcement regarding the construction of the Dam was
made as early as 1965, the Planning Commission and Central Water Commission gave
their sanction after 7 years, that is, in the year 1972. And in 1976, the
project received administrative clearance from the Uttar Pradesh
Govt.

Though
many committees were constituted to evaluate the project from safety and
environmental aspects, but as far as rehabilitation of the displaced was
concerned, only one committee under the chairmanship of Dr. Hanumantha Rao was
constituted in 1996. Although the committee submitted its report in 14 months,
the Central Government took 13 months to decide on the recommendations. And when
in Dec. 1998, the Central Government ultimately gave its verdict; most of the
recommendations were either rejected or only partially accepted. For instance,
the Central Government instead of recognising an adult family to be eligible for
rehabilitation benefits as recommended by the committee decided to recognise as
additional member of the originally displaced family and granted ex-gratia
payments and that too with a cutback of 70 per cent in the amount to be
paid.

Changes in
Policies

The construction and rehabilitation work
of Tehri Dam was vested with the then Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department since
1989. Though there was no framework or guidelines in terms of rehabilitation
policy, the work was carried out in accordance with various Government Orders
(G.O.) issued from time to time. In 1989, a document called Rehabilitation Plan
was drawn up but the document only contained information about the estimates of
construction of Govt. office buildings in New Tehri(rehabilitation site of old Tehri
Town).

Tehri
Hydro Development Corporation prepared a document on rehabilitation in 1995.
But, by that time the Corporation had started sidelining the guidelines on
rehabilitation and G.O.issued
prior to 1989. Rehabilitation work proceeded at a very slow pace. More attention
was given to construction activities of the Dam. Priority was given to
influential sections in terms of distribution of land, houses and shops rather
than the original land and house owners. Even the G.O. specifying employment and
allotment of a house to one member of the displaced family was also given a go
by. Important changes were made in the provisions of the New Tehri Master
Plan.

The
promises, which were made in the Rehabilitation Policy Document of 1995, were
also not fulfilled. The Corporation ignored even the recommendation for creation
of Green Belt area as proposed earlier. The Corporation's claim that it had
fully accepted the rehabilitation policy enunciated by the Irrigation Department
prior to 1989 is also baseless. Even after 15-20 years of land acquisition in
Tehri, land ownership rights have not been conferred on the distributed land for
the displaced in new Tehri.

Even,
the Corporation did not properly implement many of the significant
recommendations of Dr. Hanumantha Rao Committee, which were partially accepted
by the Central Government. No action has been taken by the Corporation on the
Provisions contained in the Rehabilitation Policy of 1998 that was formulated on
the basis of Dr. Hanumantha Rao Committee's recommendation.

Land Acquisition
Process and Unrealistic Land Distribution Program

There
are great irregularities in the policy and practice of land acquisition. Land is
not being acquired and rehabilitation measures given effect to in accordance
with the principle that the land, which would be submerged, first should be
rehabilitated first Land acquisition and distribution has been carried out in
those villages, which are located at a higher level, rather than those villages,
which are located at a lower level. It has been observed that in those villages
where people were not influential enough in spite of the fact that these
villages would be submerged first.

Since
there was long gap between the cut off date (1976 in villages) and land
acquisition the rates for land was fixed arbitrarily. AD land acquisition is
taking place even after 25-26 years of the cut off date there should be rational
criteria for determining the rate etc. However, this is not being done. It has
been observed that there is as much as ten times variation in fixing land rates
for the same kind of land.

The
displaced people have not been given residential and agricultural land in spite
of the fact that there land had been acquired and compensation paid many years
earlier. As a result, the land prices shoot up by as 2-3 times in the
rehabilitation sites by the date of rehabilitation.

After Environmental
Clearance of the Dam

The
Ministry of Forest and Environment had given conditional clearance in July 1990
for the construction of the Tehri Dam. One of the stipulated Conditions
specified that a comprehensive study of the standard of the life of the
displaced the undertaken.

The
Administrative Staff College of India, Hyderabad, was asked to conduct the study
related to the standard of the life of the affected people due to the
construction of Tehri Dam. The report was not only submitted after an inordinate
delay of two years in contravention of the recommendations of Ministry of
Forests and Environment it also did not take into account the data of urban
areas (particularly Tehri township). As a result, the report was unable to truly
reflect the educational and literacy levels, economic self-reliance and
alternative sources of income in the region. In a similar vein, a rehabilitation
package for the rim area could not be worked out as specified by the Ministry of
Forests and Environment. The Working Plan, which was enumerate for the cut off
area, is still in the preliminary stage. The full working plan is yet to be
accepted. The construction work of two important bridges linking Bhagirathi and
Bhilangana Valleys is also at a preliminary stage. While on the other hand, the
government and the project authorities have announced that November-December
2002 would close Diversion Tunnels No. 1 and 2. The process rehabilitation and
construction of the dam could not take place simultaneously, emphasized as
condition for Environment Clearance. It is a travesty of imagination that the
two affidavits which have been submitted by the Uttar Pardesh Government and
Tehri Hydro Development Corporation state that generation of hydroelectric power
would start by March 2003 while rehabilitation process would be completed by
June 2003.

Partial Submergence: Unrealistic
Demarcation

86
villages would be partially submerged by the Tehri Dam Project. This includes
those villages where 70-75 percent of families and land is going to be affected.
However, to be eligible for the status of a fully affected village has been
determined as 75 percent or more families and land, even those villages where
25-30 families would remain after submergence, have been affected. Although
denomination of villages as partially affected has been done on a mathematical
formula (wherever the land of 75 percent of the families is involved), no
estimates have been prepared to take into account the existence of link roads,
grazing places, local markets, civic amenities, 'Ghats' along the banks of the
river drains and the disintegration of social life. If the people are deprived
of all the amenities in villages where only 25 to 30 percent of the people would
be left (in some villages the number is as less as 5-10 families), how are they
going to subsist--- this question addressed by the various policies enunciated
so far? How are these people be expected to retain their existence and identity
as part of the village society?

Cut off
Area

Around
80,000 people are going to be indirectly affected by the construction of the
dam. The area is in Pratapnagar Tehsil. This area has been dependent on Tehri
Township for various civic amenities. Due to the construction of the dam and the
resultant reservoir, 6 bridges (two motorable and four pedestrian) on the
Bhagirathi and Bhilangana river would be submerged, thereby completely
disrupting the roads connecting the district, block, state and national capital
and other areas. As a result, the distance to be traversed between these places
would increase by 100 to 150 km.A
large part of the cut off area falls in the rim area of the dam and partially
submerged area.

The Secret Reports Of
Geological Survey of India

The idea
to construct a big Dam in the unstable and geologically sensitive mid-Himalayan
region has been mired by innumerable controversies. The government, on the other
hand, claims that the dam design has been prepared keeping in view the
geological aspects. Yet many questions arise. What would be the impact of the
reservoir on the mountain habitations?

The
Geological Survey of India has identified as unstable large tracts above the rim
area, which may face land slides in future due to the reservoir. Many villages
are located in this area. Though

the
report has been classified as secret, many significant issues highlighted by the
report have become public. The Geological Survey of India's report on the
construction of New Tehri Township has also been kept secret and its findings
have been ignored. Government and project officials are guaranteeing the safety
of the dam, whereas similar concerns regarding the safety of habitations have
not been expressed so far. Rampant use of explosives for the construction of
Tehri Dam has shaken the edifice of nearby villages, which are not even going to
be rehabilitated.

Tehri-New
Tehri

New
Tehri Township has been created since the original Tehri Township is going to be
in the submergence area of the dam. Though originally planned as a modern
Township, adequate land could not be acquired as envisaged by the Master Plan.
As a result, there is a shortfall of land for the new Township. Huge supporting
structures have been created even in the Green Belt area for constructing
buildings. This has given rise to not only environmental hazards but also poses
danger to life. Although the affidavits submitted to the Supreme Court of India
make tall claims regarding the planned construction of New Tehri Township, yet
it is full of inconsistencies.It
has been stated in the affidavit that the entire New Tehri township has been
laid with underground cable network, the reality is that the system lies in
shambles and like many other Townships in the country, New Tehri also exhibits
electric wires hanging form poles. The drinking water supply service also lies
in shambles. Recently, many of the displaced people who are yet to construct
their houses, have demanded that residential plots should be given to them in
Dehradun instead of New Tehri. Several people who had been living in Tehri for
generations are leaving for Dehradun as they perceive climatic changes in New
Tehri.

Even
after the monsoons, around 350 families are still residing in the township.
Though the authorities had sounded the warning that water level would reach 660m
above sea level, the maximum water level could touch only 648 m above sea level.
Post monsoon, the water level receded to 638m.

The
Tehri Dam has affected a major chunk of population. Since land acquisition is
still continuing, and the findings of the survey of unstable areas is yet to see
the light of the day, there is every possibility that number of affected people
may register an increase.

According
to government figures, the number of fully affected families eligible for
rehabilitation at a different place is 5291 in urban areas and 5429 in rural
areas, which makes a total of 10720 families. Besides, there are 3810 partially
affected families who are not eligible for rehabilitation at a different place
as only less than 50 per cent of their land and other assets have been acquired.

Such
families would only receive cash payment as compensation for the acquisition of
their land and any other asset.

Though
comprehensive government data is not available, it is estimated that 70 to 75000
people may be fully affected and approximately 20-25000 would be partially
affected. The total number of the affected people would be to the tune of 90000
to 1 lakh.

In the
rural areas, there are only two categories of displaced families, namely,
landowners and landless agricultural labourers. Whereas, in the urban areas
there are many other categories made for rehabilitation. Even government
employees and organisations have been categorised as displaced
families.

Categories
of Displaced Families

Township

Villages

1

Land
Owners

1766

1

Farmers
with Land

2

Tenants

442

2

Landless
Agricultural Laborers

3

Benap

384

4

Employees

1605

5

Organisations

653

6

House
on Fathers' Land

140

7

Three
villages displaced

by
New Tehri

269

8

Others

32

·100
flats have been constructed in Tehri township to be distributed free of cost to
the displaced families belonging to the weaker sections. These 100 families
(their numbers may increase) have not been included in the list of 5291 urban
displaced families.

·The
survey is premised upon the assumption that each urban family has 5 members and
each rural family consists of 7 members.

The
number of rural displaced families is much higher than the data provided by
governmental agencies.

The list
of 5429 rural displaced families does not include those 400 families who had
sold their landed property after 1978 and were categorised as ineligible for
availing rehabilitation benefits. The Central Government has now given sanction
for the release of funds for rehabilitation of such families. Consequently, the
number of fully affected families requiring rehabilitation has reached 5429400.
100 families belonging to the Koteshwar Dam Unit are yet to be rehabilitated.
These 100 families have also not been included in the list of fully affected
families. As a result, the total number of fully affected families may increase
to 5829100.

Three
villages belonging to the rim area and threatened by massive landslides also
require rehabilitation. That means another 7000 rural displaced families would
come under the ambit of rehabilitation. Since the land acquisition process is
still continuing in several villages, it is not possible to give an exact
estimate of the number of affected families. A definitive picture can emerge
only when the last village in the long line is
rehabilitated.

In fact,
in the urban areas, particularly Tehri Township, the number of displaced
families is increasing day by day. A host of displaced families belonging to the
tenant and weaker sections had been identified in July-August of 2002.
Consequently, the numbers as enumerated in the government list (5291) may cross
5400 families requiring rehabilitation.

{2}

Safety -
Environment - Rehabilitation

Recommendations
of Various Committees

1965-K. L. Rao, the then Minister of Irrigation, announced the construction of
the dam at Tehri.

1967-Indian and foreign experts surveyed the site of the
dam.

1969-Final shape given to the project report.

1979-A post of Chief Engineer for the Project created.

1972-The Tehri Dam Project was cleared by the Water Commission and the
Planning Commission

1976-The project received the administrative sanction of the Government of
Uttar Pradesh.

1979-A Task Force was constituted to examine the impact on the environment by
the project.

Feb.
1980-S. K. Ray was appointed
to head the Task Force.

May 1980
-The Task
Force submitted its Interim Report to the government. The report mentioned that
there was a dearth of requisite scientific facts to carry out a proper
study.

1981-Wadia Institute of Himalayan Technology was asked to study the reservoir
area of the dam and the mountain slopes surrounding the reservoir. At that time,
Prof. S. P. Nautiyal was the Director of the Institute.

1983-Wadia Institute submitted its report to the S. K. Rai Committee. The
report pointed to the dangers involved in case proper surveys were not
conducted.

1985-S. K. Rai protests against the construction of the
dam

26
October,

1986-The Task Force submitted its Final Report to the government pointing out
that the construction of the dam was a dangerous
proposition.

1986-India signs an agreement with U.S.S.R. for assistance in the construction
of the Tehri Dam during Gorbachov's visit.

1988-To carry out the project work, Tehri Water Development Corporation was
set up as a joint venture of the Union and State
governments.

1990-Rehabilitation work was also handed over to the
Corporation.

March

1990-Constitution of a Standing Committee on Environmental Impact Assessment.

Dr. D. R. Bhumbla Committee prepared its report and recommended that
permission should not be granted for the construction of the dam as it poses
environmental hazards.

19
July,

1990-Despite widespread apprehensions, the project was given clearance by the
Ministry of Forests and Environment, Government of India. Two members of the
Bhumbla Committee, Dr. Shekhar Singh and Dr. Subrata Sinha resigned in protest
stating that if the recommendations of such an important Committee does not find
favour with the Government, there is no need to continue in the
Committee.

1990- A high level Expert
Committee known as Dr. Dodiyal Committee was set up.

Dr. Dodiyal Committee favoured the construction of the dam. However, one
of the members Dr. Vinod Gaur dissented and questioned the design of the Tehri
Dam.

1986-The Comptroller and Auditor General of India termed the project as
financially disadvantageous.

1985-86
and

1986-87
- The Geological Survey of India's report on New Tehri completed. The
report identified unstable areas and stated that buildings should not be
constructed in such areas. It emphasised that Green Belt be developed
expeditiously.

1990-The Geological Survey of India conducted a study on the stability of the
Rim Area above the reservoir. Certain areas were identified which could cave
into the reservoir once it is filled with water. Khola, Kangsali and Jalwalgaon
villages are situated in this area.

August

1996-A five member Expert Committee was constituted to study the project from
safety angle.

September,

1996-A twelve member Expert Committee under the chairmanship of Dr. Hanumantha
Rao was constituted to study the environmental and rehabilitation aspects of the
project.

November,

1997-Dr. Hanumantha Rao Committee submits its report to the Central
Government

February,

1998-The five members Expert Committee to study the safety aspects of the
project submits its report to the Central Government. The Committee was divided
in its recommendations in the ratio of 4:1.

1999-The Central Government takes decision on the Group of Experts Committee
report. The Government accepted the recommendation regarding safety of the dam
design, but it rejected two other recommendations.

2001-A Committee was constituted under the chairmanship of Dr. Murli Manohar
Joshi to study the safety of the dam and the importance of Ganges water in the
aftermath of Bhuj earthquake.

December,

2001-Diversion Tunnels T3 and T4 of the dam closed down. Dr. Joshi Committee
is yet to submit its report.

{3}

Rehabilitation
Policies

--The
Sardar Sarovar Dam being constructed on Narmada river claims that it would award
5 acres of irrigated land to all the displaced families and would rehabilitate
all the affected villages with full civic amenities.

--Even
the National Rehabilitation Policy Draft Proposal recommended that displaced
families should be provided 2 and a half acres of land.

--Why
this hiatus between the displaced of Sardar Sarovar Dam and the displaced of
Tehri Dam? While both the projects are being implemented in the garb of so
called national interest.

ΨTill
1989, rehabilitation projects/programmes were under the jurisdiction of Uttar
Pradesh Irrigation Department.

ΨFrom
1989 to 1998, the rehabilitation projects/programmes were under the jurisdiction
of T.H.D.C.

ΨThe
Third Phase comprises of recommendations made by Dr. Hanumantha Rao Committee in
1998.

First
Phase: 1989

To give
an impetus to the significant policy provisions, a joint venture was set up for
construction of houses and other buildings and for effective implementation of
rehabilitation measures in 1989-1990. Prior to this, U.P. Irrigation Department
had been authorised to undertake building and rehabilitation work in the
state.

Before
1989, rehabilitation projects were directed and coordinated by Government
Orders. The state had a duly constituted Rehabilitation Directorate headed by an
I.A.S. officer.

7.G.O. No.
1856 RCB / 17 / 111 / 800: To
provide 400 sq.m. of land for the urban displaced families in the New Tehri
township.

8.G.O. No.
45514-61201-73, clause 2, Dt.20-12-1973:
Displaced persons to be given land free of cost and the Tehri Project
authorities to be made responsible for constructing houses at the project
cost.

9.G.O.No.
2366 AD/ 78-23 C-3/12-AM-78, Lucknow, Dt.30 May 1978: 2 acres
of land for the displaced belonging to rural areas.

Prior to
1989, the provisions outlined in the various Government Orders were not
implemented. Lack of adequate land for the displaced for rehabilitation,
budgetary constraints and administrative apathy towards implementation of
policies led to inordinate delays. Construction of the dam and rehabilitation
work could not keep pace with each other.

The G.O.
stipulating employment for one member of the displaced families was withdrawn as
early as 1998. One member from only 5 per cent of the displaced families was
given government employment in the Tehri Project between 1973 and 1998. In fact,
a larger number who were given government employment were non-displaced persons.

About 7
per cent of the urban displaced families were allocated 300 sq.m. of residential
plots. Rest of them were given less land, though the Government Order stipulated
that they would be given residential plots amounting to 400 sq.m.

Important
Provisions of New Tehri Master Plan:

The
provision regarding 30 per cent for construction of buildings and 33 per cent
allocation for Green Belt was completely ignored. So far, buildings have been
constructed on 70 per cent of the land. Green Belt has not been developed as
yet. In the areas earmarked for Green Belt, buildings have been constructed and
plots have been developed.

G.O.
stipulating that priority be given to land owners for allocation of land,
buildings and shops was not implemented properly. Traders, tenants and members
of the bureaucracy were able to corner benefits at the cost of original
landowners.

No
provision was made to supply building construction materials at concessional
rates in New Tehri. Provision regarding development of plots and houses from the
project costs was turned upside down, and as a result, compensation was paid
first and only then the cost of the distributed land was determined. After 1998,
initially, assistance for building construction was fixed at a minimum of Rs
60000, which was subsequently raised to Rs. 2.5 lakh.

In this
manner, the significant provisions of the 70s were drastically changed in the
80s after the formation of the Corporation. In Tehri, land acquisition had taken
place prior to the first phase of 1989.

Second
Phase  From 1989 to 1998

In the
Second Phase, the rehabilitation of Tehri Dam displaced people was carried out
in accordance with the provisions of the Rehabilitation Policy Document of 1995.
The important provisions of the Document are as follows:

1.Adoption
of the entire policies of the State Government by the
Corporation.

2.Consultation
with the displaced or their representatives for selecting rehabilitation
centers.

3.Rehabilitation
of the displaced to be carried out prior to submergence of the lands of the
affected.

4.The
ownership for the distributed land to be given during the declaration of the
award.

5.Landowners
possessing Unmeasured (Benap) Land to be allocated land measuring 100 sq.m. or a
flat.

6.Priority
to be given in terms of employment for displaced families.

7.50 per
cent of the amount to be paid by the Project for housing and construction loans
and interest thereof.

8.Allocation
of one room tenement in return for compensation amounting to a maximum of Rs.
40000

9.Tehri
Hydro Development Corporation to extend housing loans to a maximum of Rs. 1 lakh
at an interest rate of 8 per cent.

10. In lieu
of land, cash compensation as rehabilitation aid to be given to the displaced
persons by the Corporation.

11.Setting
up of a depot in New Tehri for supply of construction materials at concessional
rates.

The
Corporation could not implement these provisions in entirety. Though the Policy
Document of the Corporation in 1995 professed to follow the policies enunciated
by the State Government, the Corporation paid no attention to these
provisions.

Even the
policy of consultations with the displaced or their representatives was not
followed. In spite of the fact that land in Pathri Ro in Haridwar was repeatedly
rejected by the displaced persons, yet this land was given priority for
distribution. In reality, to hoodwink the displaced people, the authorities
tried to change the name of the area and numerous complaints were made. It has
taken more than a decade for the authorities to confer land ownership and
revenue rights to the displaced people. For the last 10-15 years displaced
people have not been conferred land ownership rights in New Tehri and other
rehabilitation centers.

The
provisions for extending housing loans for construction purposes by financial
institutions/banks and Corporation were not implemented. Banks and financial
institutions could not extend housing loans in the absence of revenue rights on
land. On the other hand, 'benap' land and house owners, given their clout were
able to corner 300 sq. m. land, though they were legally entitled to only 700
sq. m.

During
all the phases of submergence of land, the project authorities were neither able
to provide rehabilitation measures to the affected displaced people nor could
they implement the provision which stipulated that priority be given to the
displaced persons in terms of employment. In December 2001, when Tunnels 3 and 4
were closed, the height of the dam stood at 180m. That implies that in spite of
the construction of the dam to a height of 760m above sea level, around 800
families were residing at a height of 645-700 m above sea level. At that time,
500 families were agitating since people holding land were not provided with a
rehabilitation package. Hundreds of village families neither received
compensation for land and houses nor did they get agricultural or residential
plots.

In fact,
the State Government had submitted an affidavit in the Supreme Court of India in
February 2000, stating that the reservoir would be filled to a height of 706 m
above sea level during the monsoon of 2000. Since monsoon was weak in nature,
the water could reach only to a height of 648m above sea level. Otherwise, it
would have resulted in widespread loss of men and material and many families
would have been rendered homeless due to inadequate rehabilitation
measures.

The
Central Government had constituted Dr. Hanumantha Rao Committee in 1996 to study
the environmental and rehabilitation aspects of the project. The Committee
submitted its report in 1997 to the Central Government which was able to take a
decision on its recommendations only by December 1998. The Central Government
accepted most of the recommendations partially and turned a blind eye to many
others. However, the Rehabilitation Policy Document 1998 was prepared only after
the government's decision on the recommendations.

Some of
the important provisions of this document which were not implemented or
implemented only partially are as follows:

1.Advance
payment  A fund of Rs 2 crore.

2.Families
of adult citizens  Grant-in-aid.

3.Grant-in-aid
and land distribution in a joint account to be run by both husband and
wife.

4.Provision
of free drinking water at the rehabilitation sites.

5.Provision
of electricity at concessional rates in the rehabilitation
sites.

6.Assistance
for construction of buildings.

7.Provision
of shops for the existing owners of shops.

8.Setting
up of depots in the rehabilitation sites to provide building materials at
concessional rates.

9.Income
generation schemes for the displaced people.

10.Establishment
of a Public Grievances Cell.

·For
advance payments, no fund was created either by the Corporation or the
Directorate of Rehabilitation.

·Distribution
of land and the payment of grant-in-aid under joint ownership of husband and
wife was not implemented. Only those cases, where petitions were made to the
higher authorities, the payment was routed through a joint
account.

·The age
of the adult families was increased from 18 to 21 years and instead of a
compensation of Rs. 1.5 lakh as mooted earlier, the Central Government paid only
a meager amount of Rs. 43000.

·A policy
for providing electricity at concessional rates has not been devised so far.
This work has to be carried out by the State Government. For construction of
houses, about 500 urban families who had taken cash payment in lieu of their
residential plots have been denied financial assistance. The process of
distribution of shops to the shopkeepers has not yet begun. Similarly, no depot
has been established for providing construction materials at neither
concessional rates nor any income generation schemes has been launched so far.
For these schemes, the Corporation was supposed to make arrangements for raising
funds.

·Even
Grievance Cell was not constituted. The Corporation claims that it had organised
camps for hearing peoples' complaints, but the irony is that the same department
/ officials against whom complaints have been made are conducting these camps.
This is in complete violation of natural justice.

Similarly,
important provisions outlined in the Rehabilitation Document in favor of the
displaced, were either not implemented or partially implemented. Due to
procedural complexities and long drawn out nature of adjudication process, many
of the important provisions outlined in the Rehabilitation Policy Document have
been rendered null and void. For instance, setting up of depots for providing
construction materials at concessional rates and launching of income generation
schemes fall in the same category.

Rehabilitation work was again transferred from T H D
C to the Uttar Pradesh Government on 9-12-1998. And in 2001 the rehabilitation
work was transferred to the newly constituted Uttaranchal Government. However,
no change took place in the work culture or
policies.

{4}

Land: Games Being
Played

Impractical
Approach Towards Land Acquisition and Distribution

According
to the general tenets of land acquisition, the process should begin with those
areas (township or village) which have been affected first. In the context of
submergence due to dam construction, land acquisition should be in consonance
with the level of water entering the reservoir. Though the government has
claimed that these tenets have been followed, the reality has been that they
have been sidetracked.

Although
entire Tehri township is in the submergence area in the first phase, the land
acquisition process for only 150 acres of land continued for 7 years. First,
land acquisition work under Section 4 started from Ward No. 1 Dobata, Old Bus
Terminal area on 11-4-1981 whereas the process started as late as 1-10-1988 in
Ward No. 10. The inordinate delay in land acquisition has led to lowering of
land prices in the Tehri Township. 1117 families belonging to Ward Numbers 1 to
6 were given only Rs 5 square feet as compensation whereas 649 families were
sanctioned Rs. 30 per square feet. Such difference in the mode of assessment and
payment is highly inconsistent, notwithstanding the time interval. All those
families who were granted Rs. 5 per square meter as compensation moved the
appropriate court and the courts decided in their favor. Unable to find their
bearings on the face of judicial pronouncements on the issue, the Tehri Hydro
Development Corporation and the State Government have filed appeal petitions in
the Supreme Court of India for reversing the subordinate courts'
judgments.

The
displaced families were supposed to be granted land-ownership rights in the
rehabilitated areas as soon as their land was acquired.

However,
even after 10 years of land acquisition of the displaced people of Tehri, it
took another 10 years for distribution of land to the displaced people in the
rehabilitation sites in New Tehri Township and Ajabpur Kala. Land ownership
rights are yet to be conferred on these people. In this manner, 1766 landowning
families have been deprived of landownership rights for the last 14 to 21 years
thereby making them ineligible not only for benefiting from governmental welfare
schemes, but also to take recourse to legal provisions.

In the
rural context, the process of land acquisition has been even more lackadaisical.
If we examine the case of 7 out of 9 villages which are going to be submerged
after land acquisition process is initiated and their location in terms of
height above sea level, the stark reality stares on your
face.

S.
No.

Name
of the Village

Height
From Sea Level

Date
of Promulgation of

Section
- 4

1

Badcot

695-930

24-04-1998

2

Chajsaud

720-720

16-02-1996

3

Malidewal

726-756

31-03-1991

4

Bilyasaud

731-755

07-03-1991

5

Dewal

753-885

03-12-2001

6

Biryani

775-843

28-01-1999

7

Jogiyada
(Uttarkashi)

789-806

2002

It is
clear form the Table that submergence would occur in Badkot, Chaksaud,
Malidewal, Bilyasaud, Dewal, Biryani and Jogiyada villages respectively whereas
land acquisition work was started in Bilyasaud, Chaksaud, Badkot, Malidewal,
Dewal, Biryani and Jogiyada villages in that order.

In the
first phase, land was acquired in Godi Siranyi and in the second phase, land was
acquired in those villages which would be fully or partially submerged. Later,
Section 4 was promulgated on 11-4-2000. This village is situated at a height of
684-1098m above sea level.

In those
villages, which would be partially submerged, the process of land acquisition
has not begun. Local sources reported that only those villagers who took pains
and visited government offices could get Section 4 implemented in their
villages. In those villages where the displaced people were not active, Section
4 is being implemented now despite the fact that these villages would be
submerged earlier.

The
following table would reveal the lack of a pragmatic policy in terms of land
acquisition and submergence of those villages, which would be partially
submerged:

S.
No.

Name
of the Village

Height
From the Sea level

Date
of Promulgation of Section - 4

1.

Raulakot

666-899

9-10-98

2.

Syansu

766-870

30-9-2000

3.

Maigan

768-1076

6-1-2000

4.

Nandgaon

768-904

1-7-2000

5.

Bhaldiana

774-875

9-6-99

6.

Patagli

783-1265

22-8-2001

7

Saud
Uppu

877-1026

20-12-95

8.

Mayonda

877-1040

20-12-95

9.

Chopra

990-1040

6-8-98

The
Table makes it clear that villages that would be submerged are Raulakot, Syansu,
Maigan, Nandgaon, Bhaldiana, Patagli, Bandarakoti, Saud Uppu, Myonda and Chopra
in that order whereas land acquisition was started in Saud Uppu, Myonda,
Bandarakoti, Chopra, Raulakot, Maigan, Nandgoon, Syansu and Patagali villages
respectively.

Lack of
a pragmatic policy of land acquisition is adversely affecting the work of land
distribution and rehabilitation whereas this should have been done in the order
of submergence. The above Table belies the government's claim that it is
following an orderly policy.

The same
situation prevails in the case of land distribution. In the villages where land
was acquired before and compensation was paid, the authorities did not find it
necessary to distribute land among those who were displaced before. In such a
scenario, the greatest disadvantage faced by the people is that when land is
distributed for agricultural and residential purposes many years after the
payment of compensation, the cost of constructing houses registers a manifold
increase, besides people tend to spend a part of compensation received earlier
as it happened in Tehri township.

In the
second phase, Badkot and Biryani villages which are in full submergence area,
land was acquired and compensation was paid many years earlier but the process
of land distribution for agricultural and residential purposes was only
initiated in mid-2000. In the villages, which would be partially submerged, land
was acquired a few years earlier, but the process of land distribution in the
rehabilitated areas has not even begun. In such a situation, the displaced are
deprived of ownership rights of land for several years and as a consequence they
are unable to benefit from welfare policies like availing of loans and licenses
for commercial purposes.

{5}

Environmental
Clearance

Although
the Planning Commission had cleared the Tehri Dam Project in 1972, the Ministry
of Forests and Environment, Government of India had cleared the project as late
as 1990 and even that with certain conditions.

In the
letter of conditional sanction, the Ministry of Forests and Environment had
placed three important conditions. First, the safety aspects of the dam design
should be cleared by a high level experts committee; second, a study of the
catchment area, survey of rehabilitation requirements, development of command
area, study of the flora and fauna of the region, conservation of water quality,
disaster management and setting up of Bhagirathi Valley Basin Authority  all
these should be in consonance with environmental management plan; third, these
conditions have to be implemented simultaneously with surveys and studies in
accordance with the provisions of Environmental Conservation Act,
1986.

The THDC
will, through a reputed institution, undertake a socio-economic study of the
measures needed to ensure that the standard of living of the oustees is not
affected due to the project. The study will be completed by 30.6.1991. The THDC
will implement such recommendations as may be made by the Ministry of
Environment and Forests for rehabilitation after consideration of the study
report by the MEF. The rehabilitation package covering population affecting
Koteshwar dam as well as those living on the rim of the reservoir and likely to
be affected will be prepared before 31.3.1991.

To
comply with the conditions, the Tehri Water Development Corporation requested
the Administrative Staff College of India, Hyderabad to conduct a socio-economic
survey. However, the study could not be completed by 31 June 1991 in accordance
with the conditions but took as long as March 1993.

The same
rehabilitation package followed for the displaced families of Tehri Dam should
be applicable for the displaced families of Koteshwar Dam. In Koteshwar, the
process of land acquisition was started recently, but not a single displaced
family has been rehabilitated.

The
rehabilitation package for the affected people in the rim area of the reservoir,
which should have been ready by 31 March 1991, is still in limbo. Three villages
in the rim area of the reservoir, namely, Khola, Jalwalgaon and Kangsali, which
had been identified as falling in the landslide area by the Geological Survey of
India, have still not been rehabilitated. This is in spite of the fact that a
fresh geological survey was conducted in the rim area in the month of July
2002.

Many
villages in the rim area are in the partially affected category. Since Tehri
Township was cut off from all civic amenities due to the construction of the
dam, a programme was devised in the year 2002 to reestablish these amenities.
However, the proposed package of Rs. 180 crore has not yet been sanctioned.
Construction work on two bridges for linking the other side of the rim area with
the Block and District headquarters is preliminary stage. It may take 2 to 3
years for their construction, which suggests that the authorities are
indifferent towards the entire rim area in spite of the fact that the
Conditional Sanction Letter had emphasised expeditious development of the rim
area.

When the
environmental clearance was given, there was a condition that all the studies,
preparation of work plans and the engineering work in the construction of the
dam should proceed simultaneously.

All this
comes under the Environmental Protection Act, 1986 which is being violated with
impunity.

CURRENT
STATUS (22-01-2002) OF CONDITIONS OF CLEARANCE FOR THE
ENIRONMENT

The
letter from MOEF No. 2-19/81-HCT/lA-1 dated 17.1.2000 states that all these
plans have been submitted by THDC and are under examination at various levels.
Once the examination is completed if any modification of the plans are required,
it has to be done by THDC.

Management

Plans/Action

Plans

Prescribed
Date of Submission

Actual
date of Submission

Whether
Got Approvel From MOEF

Whether
implemented as per conditions

Catchments
Area Treatment

31-12-90

January,
1994

Under

consideration
on 17-1-2000 as per MOEF

Letter
No 2-19/81- HCT/1A-1

Plan
not yet approved by MOEF. Not fully implemented as per conditions as it
was not completed by

31-12-1995,
as stipulated by the MOEF in its letter of clearance. Also, thoughts
29,000 ha have been treated only till today, only directly draining areas
are being treated.

Command
Area Development

31-3-91

(31-12-93)*

Submitted
date not

know
but after the prescribed date

As
above

Not
relevant, as the plan has still not been approved by
MOEF.

Flora

May
1991

July,
1993

As
above

Not
relevant, as the plan has still not been approved by
MOEF.

Fauna

May
1991

March,
1993

As
above

Not
relevant, as the plan hasstill not been approved by MOEF.

Water
Quality Maintenance

No
date specified

November,
1992

As
above

Not
relevant, as the plan has still not been approved by
MOEF.

Disaster
Management

31-3-91

Not
know, when submitted-but not within the stipulated
date.

As
above

Not
relevant as the plan has still not been approved by
MOEF.

{6}

Who Will
Be Submerged?

With the Dam: After the Construction of the
Dam

Fully
Affected Villages- Where 75 percent or more families

have been affected.

Fully
Affected Family- Whose 50 per cent or more land

Is being acquired.

Criteria
for Measurement- Irrigated, Unirrigated (First Grade)

Of
Landand (Second Grade) in the ratio of

1:1:5:3 meaning thereby that one 'Nali'

of irrigated land is equivalent to 1½ 'Nalis'

of First Grade Unirrigated land or 3 'Nalis'

of Second Grade Unirrigated Land.

Besides
Tehri Township, 39 fully affected villages and 86 partially affected villages
have been included in the list of affected areas of Tehri
Dam.

The
criteria for determining fully affected and partially affected villages are
unrealistic. Certain other important factors have not been taken into account.
Had these factors been taken into consideration, the number of fully affected
villages would have increased.

If a
family's one 'Nali' irrigated land has been submerged and 2 'Nalis' of First
Grade unirrigated land is not submerged, then it will be assumed that 50 per
cent of the family's land is under submergence. In this context, it must be
mentioned that entire irrigated land in the partially affected villages would be
under submergence, since these lands are in the lower plains of the
valley.

But to
determine fully affected and partially affected villages only on the level of
submergence of land is both unrealistic and illogical. Because, in those
villages where half or less then half of the land has been acquired, it is
forgotten that these villages have other features like link roads, grazing
lands, fuel and fodder forests, local markets, civic amenities like roads,
schools, sources of water, 'Ghats' on the banks of the river and cremation
grounds  all would be devastated. Therefore, it is pertinent to ask, how these
partially affected villages are going to build their infrastructure, which is a
prerequisite for existence? This aspect has been completely ignored. It is
doubtful whether the government would be able to provide all these amenities
even to the rest of the families (10,15 or 20) residing in the partially
affected villages. Gram Sabhas (Village Councils) would be done away with or
integrated with other 'Gram Sabhas'. People living for generations and sharing
their joys and sorrows, even close relatives would be separated and forced to
live in places like Pathri (Haridwar) located at a distance of 150
kms.

Even if
the government does not show any human concern, the fact remains that how the
rest of the families who would be left in the partially affected villages cope
with their to day existence after they have been deprived of living amenities
like grazing land, source of water, fuel and fodder forests and all the link
roads connecting them with the outside world. In some of the partially affected
villages, major portion of agricultural land would be submerged and only
residential premises would be left. They will of course receive compensation for
land, but they would not be able to buy agricultural land in other areas and
even if they were able to do so, it would be well nigh impossible to look after
them.

Chham
village of Bhagirathi Valley has been declared partially affected. According to
the records of the Rehabilitation Directorate, 40 out of 56 families have to be
rehabilitated which is about 70 per cent of the population of the village. The
entire irrigated area of the village would be under submergence. 155 acres of
land is being acquired in the village, which is highest in the 86 partially
affected villages. In such a big village, only 16 families have been left out to
fend for themselves and have not been made eligible for rehabilitation. 90 per
cent of the village land falls below the pillar of the Tehri Dam showing 835 m
submergence.

Similarly,
Bhaldiana village in the valley, 130 out of 175 families would be rehabilitated
which is 74.3 per cent of the village population. In such a big village, only 40
families would be left. Most of the residential premises are in the submergence
area.

In
Bandrakoti village, 210 out of 296 families have been found to be eligible for
rehabilitation. Only 86 families would be left in the village. Most of the
residential premises are in the submergence area.

In Khand
Dharmandal village of Bhilangana Valley, 250 out of 289 families have been found
to be eligible for rehabilitation, which is 86 per cent of the village
population. Though more than 75 per cent of the land falls in the submergence
area, the village has been categorised as partially affected. Most of the
village land, around 172 acres, is in the submergence
area.

The same
situation prevails in Khand Bidkot, Syansu, Doban, Bhaldgaon, Baldogi, Kumrada
and other villages.

Syansu
village is extremely close to the reservoir. In many of the partially affected
villages near and at a higher level than the reservoir, there is every danger of
landslides and domestic animals skidding into the reservoir. The fluctuating
level of the reservoir is also a cause for concern. The grazing lands of several
villages are at a lower level than the village and on the banks of the river.
Once they are submerged, there would be a crisis of fodder. Link roads
connecting the villages also pass through this area. Kangsali village
exemplifies this factor. A study should be conducted which takes into
consideration all the above mentioned factors as there is an urgent need to
include more villages in the list of fully affected
villages.

Partially
Affected Villages Adjacent to the Reservoir

S. No.
Name of the
VillageMaximum Maximum Height

Heightof the Village from

The Reservoir in meters

1Chham847m12

2Bandrakoti844m9

3Khand Bidkot841m6

4Ghonti Dungmandar850m15

5Bhaldiyana875m40

6Maneti Sera852m17

7Syansu870m35

8Nayari Uttarkashi865m30

{7}

The Cut
off Area

Indirectly Affected Areas of the
Dam

The cut
off area of Tehri dam is that area which would not get submerged, yet the area
would be cut off due to the construction of the dam. This is the area which has
been dependent on Tehri township for various civic amenities. Besides, when the
six bridges (2 motorable and 4 for pedestrians) on Bhagirathi and Bhilangana
rivers get submerged, the distance to be traversed for reaching district, block
and state capitals and other areas is expected to increase by 100-150 kms.

The cut
off area is inhabited by 50,000 people and includes the entire Pratapnagar
Tehsil, particularly Raika and Dharmandal tracts. A part of Ghansali district is
also being affected in this manner. The average distance from Tehri was 15 kms.
prior to the construction of the dam. But when all the bridges are submerged,
the average distance from New Tehri would increase by 150 Kms. The authorities
paid attention to the problems of the area belatedly. A large part of the cut
off area falls in the rim and partially affected areas of the dam. There seems
to be no clear-cut rehabilitation policy for the cut off and rim areas if one
examines the policy documents pertaining to
rehabilitation.

The
conditional sanction grated to the dam by the Ministry of Forests and
Environment (July, 1990 No-3.2) specified that a rehabilitation package for the
inhabitants of the rim area should be chalked out by 31 March 1992. The
Geological Survey of India in its report had identified large parts of rim area
as unstable in 1990 and had opined that an extensive survey of this area should
be conducted. After 12 years, this extensive survey had been conducted in July
this year and the report is yet to be submitted

There
was a flurry of activity three years ago in the villages belonging to the cut
off area when the schools and the government offices responsible for maintaining
civic amenities started shifting to New Tehri. When the people started
agitating,the then District
Magistrate convened a meeting of the district authorities to prepare a plan for
the cut off area. On the basis of this plan the State Government prepared a
specific plan for the cut off area with an outlay of Rs. 183 crore for various
projects and sent it to the Central Government.

Some
amount of funds from this plan has already been disbursed. These projects are at
a preliminary stage, but the irony is that the process of filling of the
reservoir due to the closure of Diversion Tunnels No, T-3 and T-4 had already
started in December 2001. The project authorities are planning to close
Diversion Tunnels No. T-1 and T-2 by November 2002.

But
there is a strong current of resentment among the people belonging to the cut
off area since no amenities have been provided and the two bridges linking the
area with the outside world (one on Bhagirathi river near Syansu village and the
other on Bhilangana river near Pipaldali village) have not been built so far.

5.
Construction of 2 new electric sub-centers and setting up of one electric power
sub-division.

6.
Setting up an office of the Forest Department manned by a Forest
Officer.

7.
Creation of a new development block by dividing the Bhilangana Block Development
Office into two parts.

8.
Opening of 3 branches of bank.

9.
Setting up 3 new gas depots and shifting of one depot.

10.
Construction of 3 petrol pumps.

11.
Construction of 5-timber godowns.

12.
Shifting of post office branches.

13.
Shifting of Public Works Department office, Water Corporation office, primary
school, godown of Food Corporation of India, Veterinary Hospital, the office of
Soil Conservator to suitable places.

14. For
all purposes, construction of houses at the project costs.

While
the plan for the cut off area was being prepared, it was felt that there is a
need to provide the basic amenities within a span of one and a half years.
However, the process of approval took so long that work could begin on the plan
only after one and a half years and almost half of the projects still await
approval.

The
envisaged Tehri Uttarkashi motorable road up to 30-35 Km. from Tehri is in the
submergence area. Its construction has been quite tardy and slow. If the
Diversion Tunnels T-1 and T-2 are closed by November as stated in the affidavit
submitted to the Supreme Court of India, the water level may touch 770m which
would endanger the Tehri-Uttarkashi-Gangotri Highway. Much of the highway
between Tehri and Chham village (situated at a distance of 25Km.) is located
below 770m, which is going to be submerged. The highway even passes at a height
of 700m above sea level in certain places. Since the road laying process is yet
to be completed on this highway, it is unfit for traffic. The motorable road
stretches as far as 72 kms, and whatever road laying has taken place is at a
preliminary stage. The road is yet to be fully macadamised. As long as traffic
does not start on the Chamba-Dharasu motorable road, the pilgrims going to
Gangotri and subsequently heading for Kedarnath, Badrinath would have to go via
Badkot, Vikasnagar, Mussorie, Dehradun or Rishikesh to reach Srinagar instead of
the earlier direct 130Km route which they could take via Uttarkashi Tehri to
Srinagar- a long journey indeed!

And the
added distance would be 300 Km. It is amazing that no attention was paid to this
fact while closing Diversion Tunnels No T-3 and T-4 in December last year. Not
only pilgrims and tourists, even a common person commuting between lower and
higher Uttarkashi would face tremendous hardships.

In the
context of Tehri Dam Project, is national interest contradictory to public
good?

One of
the major factors relating to the controversies generated by Tehri Dam pertains
to the unstable nature of geological formation of the area. Since the dam is
located in the seismic Zone-4 area, questions have been raised regarding the
stability of the mountains surrounding the reservoir.

Unstable
land mass in the mountains not only poses danger to the community but is also an
integral part of environmental and rehabilitation concerns. People reside on the
mountains surrounding the reservoir. In fact, after the reservoir is filled with
water the sloping land mass of the mountains may cave in due to soil erosion.
Besides, due to haphazard mining activities and construction of multi-storied
buildings, the stability of the entire region is threatened and questions have
been repeatedly asked about the viability of the project.

Successive
governments have classified as secret all such reports that have questioned the
viability of the project. From the New Tehri Project Report, S. K. Rai Task
Force Report to the Geological Survey of India Report on the mountain inclines
in the New Tehri region  all have been kept under wraps. However, information
garnered from various sources throw light on some of the significant
observations made by these reports. The evidence gathered from these secret
reports suggests that the successive governments' endeavour to suppress
information in the name of national interest may result in widespread
devastation in the near future. It may be pertinently asked whether national
interest and public good are in irresoluble conflict in the context of the
construction of the Tehri Dam?

Geological
Survey of India's Report on the Rim Area

A
specially constituted team of the Geological Survey of India visited the area in
1990 to study the mountain inclines above the Rim Area. After preliminary survey
of the Rim Area leading towards Pratapnagar, the team was of the opinion that
wider studies have to be conducted.

The
preliminary study indicated that the mountain incline from the reservoir to
Pratapnagar is an unstable landmass where Kangsali, Jalwalgaon and Khola
villages are situated. The study also pointed out that there is a danger of
these villages caving into the reservoir. In addition, the study questioned the
efficacy of traditional treatment plans for the region.

The
Geological Survey of India requested the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation to
provide extensive maps to facilitate the study on the mountain slopes in the rim
area above the reservoir. The report also revealed that there is excessive
pressure on the mountain slopes at a height of 835 m in the area beginning from
Tehri Confluence to Bhaldiana feeding canal and apprehensions were expressed
that a slight imbalance would lead to the devastation of the area. This area has
a width of 10-12 kms.

This
report of the Geological Survey of India was not only kept secret but till now
in the year 2002, that is even after 12 years, no comprehensive study of the
area has been undertaken.

When
some of the conscientious citizens belonging to the three villages falling in
the rim area demanded that these villages be rehabilitated immediately, there
was a flurry of activity in the official circles. As a result, the Geological
Survey of India was requested to undertake a fresh study of the area in 2002. A
team of geologists visited the area in the month of July. The findings of the
study have not been made public so far. There is every possibility that the
report may be kept secret, as was the practice earlier.

A
comprehensive study of the rim area could not take place even this time, as
Tehri Hydro Development Corporation did not provide extensive maps to the
Geological Survey of India. In this context, apprehensions have been expressed
that it was a deliberate attempt on the part of the Corporation to create
bottlenecks.

Many
more villages have to be rehabilitated, as there is a danger of massive
landslides. Lots of serious questions have been raised regarding the longevity
of the dam and dangers of recurring floods as a consequence of massive
(estimated at more than a crore cubic metre) inflow of rubble into the
reservoir.

Unfortunately,
this gamble is being played at the cost of life and property of thousands of
people belonging to the region.

It is
important to note that the findings of the Geological Survey of India's report
had not come out till July 1990 when the Forests and Environment Ministry of the
Central Government had cleared the project. In this context, the Geological
Survey of India had written a letter in September 1990 to the then Additional
General Manager, Tehri Hydro Development Corporation, Dr. B. Chakrabarty, who
was posted in Tehri.

Geological
Survey Report on New Tehri

The
Geological Survey of India conducted surveys in 1985-86 and 1987 in the New
Tehri Township, which is being developed in place of original Tehri and prepared
two reports. These reports were also kept secret.

Some of
the facts, which have emerged from the secret reports, are startling. From a
geological perspective, many areas in New Tehri were found to be unstable or of
doubtful stability and a recommendation was made in the report to forbid
construction of buildings in these areas. In certain other areas, the report
advised that buildings should be constructed with due caution. It also
recommended that unstable areas should be developed as Green Belt.

The
1985-86 report contained eight inferences and recommendations. The report
characterised D and E Blocks and certain areas of F and K Blocks of Sector 3 as
falling under 'Slump Zone' and recommended that buildings should not be
constructed in these areas.

Another
survey conducted in 1988 reported that an area at a height of 1500 m above sea
level in Moldhar village (Block D, Sector 4) is feared to be unstable. The
report also cautioned that tinkering with the natural flow of water might have
disastrous consequences.

All the
survey reports had suggested that while constructing buildings, care must be
taken for compact terrace filling.

The
1986-87 survey reported that building construction work had already started in
Sector 1 and 2 prior to the survey, and therefore the study could not be done
satisfactorily. Many government 3-storied buildings have also been constructed
in these sectors.

Even
after 15-16 years of these studies, huge buildings can be seen everywhere in New
Tehri. Where is the Green Belt? It is indeed a daunting task to locate it.
Buildings have been constructed or plots have been demarcated for further
construction in the proposed Green Belt areas. Displaced people who have been
distributed land or plots including government employees who

have
been allotted residential quarters do not know whether they are in the Green
Belt area since the survey reports have not been made public so
far.

The
displaced persons are spending huge sums on construction of houses. The
government has spent crores of rupees to construct offices and residential
premises for their employees in unstable areas. There would always be a danger
to life and property in the area. About 3-4 years back, cracks appeared on the
walls of a dozen flats as a result of land caving due to heavy rains during the
monsoons. The road had also caved in and residents of many flats were evacuated
later. The Executive Engineer of Public Works Department of New Tehri declared
many flats dangerous for habitation and wrote an official letter to the
administration. All these facts also remained secret.

Why such secrecy is being
maintained with sensitive issues of public safety
?

{10}

Rehabilitation
(?) Sites

New Tehri

As the
entire Tehri Township was going to be submerged once the Tehri Dam was
constructed, the idea of New Tehri Township took shape to settle the residents
of the area.

In the
70s, efforts were first made to identify the site where New Tehri Township would
be located. Initially, Paukhal village, Bhilangana Block, Tiprish Jakhrighar
Block, Bauradi village, Badshahi Thaul village and Chamba Block were identified
as likely sites. The authorities selected Paukhal village as their first
preference for the new township.

However,
in 1975, Badshahi Thaul was picked up as the preferred site for building New
Tehri Township (vide G.O.No. - 886 CA/75/23C-3-17 L73 Dt. 12 March
1975).

As there
were conflicting pulls on the choice of Badshahi Thaul village, the authorities
finally selected Bauradi and adjacent villages (vide G.O.No. - 3174 CA/78-23C-3
Dt. 12 June 1978).

Due to
controversies generated by land acquisition in Bauradi and adjacent villages,
the construction of New Tehri Township was delayed. Out of the five selected
villages as per the G.O., the process of land acquisition could be started only
in Bauradi village. As a result, the four villages Koti, Kutha, Pipli and Gajna,
which were selected earlier, were abandoned in favour of Kalna and Molghar
villages and they were banded with Bauradi village. Besides, some of the forest
land was also chosen for the construction of the new
township.

New
Tehri Township was designed to be built below Bauradi (which is 1950m above sea
level) but now it is being built in the area above Bauradi, that is, above
1950m. As compared to Tehri, there is a marked difference in terms of climate
and weather conditions here. There is also a marked difference in the
geomorphological make up. Bauradi village is situated on the elevated southwest
side of Tehri at a distance of 25 kms.

A new
Master Plan 1985-2005 was prepared for building the New Tehri township in a
planned manner. The Draft proposal of the Master Plan was prepared by the Urban
and Rural Reconstruction Department of the UP State Government. However, the
point to be noted here is that construction activities for giving a concrete
shape to the New Tehri township had started much before the advent of 'Master
Plan 1985-2000'.

The
geomorphological make up of the areas chosen for building the township of New
Tehri is precariously placed on a complex geological formation on an inclined
plane. The Draft Proposal of the 'Master Plan 1985-2000' had delineated this
predicament confronting the planners. The Draft Proposal mentions among other
things: "The development of New Tehri Township would result in devastation of
natural resources and environment. In such a scenario, extraordinary technical
means have to be employed to safeguard the environment."

Population
Figures - Tehri and New Tehri

Year TehriNew Tehri

1991157304496

20011495410471

Source:
National Decennial
Census.

The
Draft Proposal of the Mega Plan had envisaged that, approximately 1000 hectares
of land would be required for setting up the planned township of New Tehri.
According to the proposal, 30 per cent of the land should be earmarked for
residential purposes while 34 per cent of the land should be left for the
development of the Green Belt.

So far,
the government has acquired only 422 acres of land. The authorities have not
only shifted the government offices from Tehri and Narendranagar to the new site
but have also constructed 2500 residential quarters for government employees and
officials, and on top of it they want the original Tehri township to be
resettled in this tiny landscape. The land here could only accommodate a
district headquarter, at best. Question arises if there was a shortage of land,
then why the government offices from Narendranager were shifted to the new
township.

In fact,
two to three storied structures have been constructed even in the land earmarked
for the Green Belt. Inability of the project administrators to acquire or buy
the requisite quantum of land as suggested by the Draft Proposal of the 'Mega
Plan 1985-2000' has meant that people, particularly the residents of Tehri, have
to be stuffed in the available area.

Not only
the recommendations of the Draft Proposal of the Mega Plan but even survey
reports submitted by the Geological Survey of India in 1985-86 and 1986-87
advising cessation of construction activities in the unstable areas have been
sidelined.

In 1989,
New Tehri was made the District Headquarter. Prior to it, Narendranagar situated
at a distance of 70km from Tehri and 61km from New Tehri was the District
Headquarter.

A
programme was chalked out to resettle three fourths of Tehri families in New
Tehri. Rest of the families was given the option to resettle in Dehradun and
Rishikesh. Simultaneously, it was decided that the offices and residential areas
of government, semi government officials including those who belonged to the
central government be shifted to New Tehri. Most of the displaced people
belonging to Benap and tenant categories opted to resettle in New Tehri. Houses
were constructed in New Tehri for all the displaced people belonging to the
weaker sections of the society. Distribution of land, houses and shops began in
1992, which is still continuing.

Our
study found that around 75-80 per cent of the people belonging to Tehri have
already shifted. A movement spearheaded by land owning displaced persons of
Tehri has been going on for the last one year and around 300-350 land owning
families are determined to continue the agitation. However, more than half of
those who had shifted to New Tehri and other places still do not possess own
houses. These families either reside in rented houses or tin sheds provided by
the Rehabilitation Directorate. Besides the land owners, around 100 tenant
families have been provided with tin sheds and some displaced families belonging
to the weaker sections have also been given houses in New
Tehri.

Resettlement
process is still on in New Tehri. Some more land has to be acquired to carry out
planned development of the new township. There is also a need for identifying
unstable areas and development of the Green Belt.

Status of rural
rehabilitation site

The
condition of drinking water and water for irrigation is dismal; electricity,
roads, drains, schools, panchayat houses, temples, Primary Health Centers and
other civic amenities in all the rehabilitation sites remain
pathetic.

Provision
of drinking water- There
are systemic flaws in drinking water projects. For instance, in Raiwala,
maintenance is extremely poor. The drinking water pipelines pass through
drains.

Water
for Irrigation- Whereas
water for irrigation purposes through canals was available in the original
villages, the displaced people have been forced to sacrifice their crops in the
rehabilitation sites which were set up 20 years earlier.

In Banjarawala, people
receive water free of cost only for 10 minutes in a month. As an alternative the
displaced are supplied drain water and the contract for supply of this water has
been given to private contractors by the government. The contractors charge
exorbitant rates. The water is so unhygienic that the displaced people are
unable to reuse it.

A canal
existed in Athoor Patti, one of the original villages prior to displacement.
Water is not available in Bhaniawala during the planting season. There is only
one tube well in an arable area of 200 acres. Since the land is rocky, it
requires more water. The organisation of water services is dismal. A 3-inch
pipeline has been subdivided into 22 outlets and there is no control over flow
of water.

Raiwala-
Sufficient water is not available in accordance with the amount of land
distributed. The problem of water has afflicted the people from the beginning.
On top of it, there is acute shortage of electricity. So far there is no uniform
rate of subsidy. Roads have not been constructed in all the places. Drains and
other sources of water are in a dilapidated condition.

Primary
Health Centers-The
condition of Primary Health Centers is dismal. Only the buildings exist which
are used for purposes other than health. The displaced people have to trudge
long distances to avail health facilities.

Seed
Stores- Stores
have been set up by the Govt. only in one or two places and there is no timely
supply of seeds. People have to depend on private sources for their seed
requirements. The shops have not been allocated to the
displaced.

In
Bhaniawala, the
rehabilitation site is located far away from the road. Therefore, there is an
urgent need for shops to be located there. It would be advisable to allot shops
to the local residents.

Community
centers have
been built only at one or two place. In Bhaniawala, building of the community
center is in a bad shape. Public transport, buses in particular, are not
available. People have to travellong distances to avail some mode of public transport, whereas they could
avail the same without any exertion as the original villages were located along
the highway.

{11}Thanks
to the Monsoons!!!

Monsoon
Work Plan for Tehri Township - 2002

The
Uttaranchal Government and Tehri Water Development Corporation had submitted
affidavits in February and March 2002 to the Supreme Court of India on the writ
petition filed by N. D. Jayal and Shekhar Singh. In the affidavits, they claimed
that water level in the Tehri Dam reservoir would be to the tune of 706 m above
sea level during the current monsoon. Tehri township, majority of the population
and populace of some dam affected villages  all would have been submerged at
this water level.

This
year, the monsoon in the Tehri Dam Catchment Area like many other parts of the
country was weak. By the first week of September the water level only once
touched the maximum 648m in August. In Most of the days during the monsoon, the
water level remained in the range of 641 - 644m.

Since
the government and project administrators were unable to persuade the people to
vacate Tehri and as the movement of the displaced landowners continued in the
interregnum, the Rehabilitation Directorate was forced to prepare a Work Plan in
May for evacuating people from Tehri before monsoon. However, the Work Plan was
devised only for 800 families of Tehri township living at a height of 660 m
above sea level instead of 760 m. 20 per cent of the people of Tehri reside at a
height above 660 m which amply makes it clear that around 1000 families were
still residing in the Tehri township till the month of May,
2002.

The Work
Plan was divided into two segments:

1.General
Evacuation Work Plan

2.Emergency
Work Plan

General
Evacuation Work Plan consisted of adjudication of long standing litigation of
the displaced people; evacuation of rest of the offices belonging to
governmental agencies, supply of construction materials for house building etc.
The emergency Work Plan pertained to evacuation of people to safe
places.

1.Temporary
living arrangements for 400 families in government offices and school
premises.

2.250
families to be accommodated in tin sheds.

3.300
families to be accommodated in tents.

Since
water level did not rise significantly and displaced landowners refused to leave
the township, emergency measures could not be implemented effectively. Around
100 families voluntarily shifted to tin sheds and around 200 families through
their own arrangements shifted to New Tehri township and other places. Not even
a single family opted to shift to tents or government offices /
schools.

Around
500 families continued to live in Tehri when the water level was touching
between 645 to 648 m during the monsoon. On 10 August, 2002, when the water
level touched 648m between 2 and 3 p.m. at night and water flooded the main
market, the entire township was awake and volunteers from Displaced Unemployed
Front were engaged in shifting the valuables and other materials belonging to
shops and homes to safer locations. When the water level was between 642 to
648m, the household belongings of 10 families and the goods of a similar number
of shops were destroyed due to flooding. When the water level receded in the
morning, some of the goods could be recovered. The building of a primary school
situated at a height of 644m was completely inundated.

On the
same night, the police personnel from the R.O.C. (Recruitment Training Center)
were posted. Since the water level was already receding, they were saved from
performing any onerous task. By early morning, the water level had receded by
2m. Seeing the rapid rise in the water level, many families had already shifted
with bag and baggage to the New Tehri Township or other safe havens. All of them
returned to their homes and hearths after water level
receded.

Thanks
to the current weak monsoon, the Monsoon Work Plan of the authorities lies in
shambles and the plan fully exposed.

{12}

Level of
Water in the Dam Reservoir

As
Narrated by the Bhagirathi Bridge

In
December 2001, when Diversion Tunnels No. 3 and 4 were closed, the water level
in Bhagirathi River was almost at par with the Bhagirathi Bridge, which connects
the dam with Tehri and is at an elevation of 638 m above sea level. But this
water level kept on fluctuating. Due to factors such as drop in temperature,
freezing and melting of glaciers, snowfall and its meltdown, drought conditions
in the catchment area, heavy rains etc., the water level kept on fluctuating
over the years. The water level dipped to 637m in December - January 2001
whereas by March 2000 it had touched 643m and completely submerged the
Bhagirathi Bridge. In August, the water level varied between 640 to 642m. On
10th August after three days of incessant rains, the water level
crossed 648m and the township was flooded. Later, the water level varied from
642 to 644m. However, on 7th September the water level crossed the
645m mark.

The
Bhagirathi Bridge has become the denominator of increase or decrease in the
water level of the reservoir. Even an ordinary citizen can make out the water
level by observing how much of the bridge is submerged and how much of it is
visible. In case the Bhagirathi Bridge is completely submerged, it means water
level has crossed 643m and in case half of the bridge is visible the water level
is in the range of 641m. When the bridge is completely submerged, there is
anxiety in the township, and when water level recedes, people heave a sigh of
relief. From Bhagirathi Puram and Tipri village, located at a distance of 8 km
from the bridge, one can easily ascertain the water
level.

Water level of Tehri Dam Reservoir During
in Monsoon, 2002

10
August, 2002

648&20

11
August, 2002

643&00

12
August, 2002

642&00

13
August, 2002

642&00

14
August, 2002

645&35

15
August, 2002

645&00

16
August, 2002

642&30

17
August, 2002

642&00

18
August, 2002

641&30

19
August, 2002

641&30

20
August, 2002

640&60

21
August, 2002

640&55

22
August, 2002

640&55

23
August, 2002

640&35

24
August, 2002

641&70

25
August, 2002

640&65

26
August, 2002

642&30

27
August, 2002

641&80

28
August, 2002

641&80

29
August, 2002

641&95

30
August, 2002

640&95

31
August, 2002

641&00

1
September, 2002

641&90

2
September, 2002

641&35

3
September, 2002

640&95

4
September, 2002

640&75

5
September, 2002

640&20

6
September, 2002

642&40

7
September, 2002

645&80

8
September, 2002

642&90

9
September, 2002

641&95

10
September, 2002

640&90

11
September, 2002

640&80

12
September, 2002

646&00

13
September, 2002

647&40

14
September, 2002

644&05

15
September, 2002

641&40

{13}

Historical
Trihari (Tehri)

The
biggest township, which is going to be submerged in India, is perhaps Tehri.
Instead of augmenting its own prosperity after independence, the Tehri township
is being devastated in the name of oft-repeated national development. This is an
ancient land, which is being submerged and devastated under the pretext of
developmental projects.

The
place where Tehri Dam is being constructed, finds a mention as `Dhanushtirth` in
the 'Skandha Puran'. The confluence of Bhagirathi and Bhilangna rivers is just
500m from the main gate of the dam which is known as 'Ganesh Prayag'. Known as
Trihari - the confluence of three rivers and later called Tehri was adopted by
the founder of 'Practical Vedanta', Swami Ramtirth as an abode of meditation and
'nirvana'.

Tehri
Township was built by King of Garhwal state, Sudarshan Shah belonging to Panwar
dynasty as the new capital in 1815 A.D. Prior to this, the capital was Srinagar
Garhwal, which had been captured by the East India Company. The capital Tehri
built by King Sudarshan Shah witnessed royal grandeur for almost 133
years.

The
state however witnessed decline after the reign of the sixth king. Till the
state's decline, Tehri continued to be the capital. Being the capital, Tehri
became the hub of education, literature, culture and politics. Even after
independence, Tehri retained its importance. It was the centre of peoples'
movements. Chipko, Prohibition, University and Uttarakhand movements still
reverberate in the streets and markets of Tehri and chronicle the grandeur of
the township. Shri Dev Suman had undertaken a marathon 84-day-old hunger strike,
which is only second in duration in the world history.

The fast
had been undertaken to gain freedom from the royal rule. After 84 days, Shri Dev
Suman passed away and became a martyr.

After
visiting Yamunotri and Gangotri, most of the pilgrims heading for Kedarnath and
Badrinath have to pass through Tehri. Even when there was no motorable road,
Tehri was the traditional route of the pilgrims.

Unlike
in other places, where construction of dams has taken place, the displaced
people are mostly tribals or indigenous people, in Tehri the displaced belong to
highly educated middle class families. According to the 1992 statistics of the
National Literacy Mission, the literacy rate in Tehri had reached 98 %. (The
Literacy Campaign started in the entire district in 1992). The literacy rate in
the township was 68.75% in 1971, which jumped to 76% by
1978.

Besides
education and literacy, the economic conditions in the township was admirable.
Only 5.54% of the houses were thatched. Although Narendranagar was the district
headquarter, more than 40 government offices were located in Tehri including the
District Court. All civic amenities were available at a distance of 2-3 km. for
the residents. Since Tehri was the central point and the nearest market for the
adjoining 200 villages, there was lots of hustle bustle and the place used to be
quite crowded.

It is a
significant fact to be noted that no family was below the poverty line in the
township, which could be corroborated by government documents, particularly from
the records of Public Distributation System (PDS). The premises of Garhwal
University, Government Hospital, Post and Telegraph offices are also located
here.

Due to
the dam, the developmental activities in the region had been stalled in the
70s.

People
are still raising their voices against the attack on their geography, history,
heritage and the unfulfilled promises of rehabilitation made by the government.
Dharnas' (sit in strikes) and rallies are still taking place in the township
organised by the Tehri Bhumidhar Visthapit Sangthan (Tehri Displaced Landowners'
Organisation), Tehri Mool-Upekshit Visthapit Sangthan and Thela-Patri Union
(Hawkers` Union). The MATU Peoples' Organisation also supports and cooperates
with these organisations. The entire township is endangered by flooding of water
from Bhagirathi and Bhilangana rivers due to the closure of Diversion Tunnels
T-1 and T-2. Land, houses, agricultural farms, courtyards, gardens, temples,
mosques, gurudwaras, churches, memorials of great persons, royal palace -
everything is turning into ruins before submergence.

The same
township, which boasted of peoples' movements on the streets against the royal
rule and ensured its downfall, lies in shambles today.

The Population Figures of Tehri After
Independence

Year

1951

1961

1971

1981

1991

2001

Population
of Tehri

2856

4508

5480

12249

15730

14954

Source:
National Decennial Census

Civic Amenities in Tehri

S.
No.

Amenity

Number

1.

Schools/Colleges

25

2.

Hospitals/Clinics

1+13

3.

Playing
Grounds

(excluding
those belonging to schools and colleges)

2

4.

Cinema
Halls

2

5.

Libraries
(excluding those belonging to schools)

2

6.

Temples

16

7.

Mosques

2

8.

Gurudwaras

1

9.

Churches

1

10.

Idgah

1

11.

Industries

25

12.

Shops
and Hotels etc.

About
700

13.

District
Level Government offices

About
40

The
Historical and Cultural Heritage of Tehri Region

In
Tehri, there are religious, cultural and archaeological places and monuments of
importance, which require conservation efforts. However, there is no plan for
conserving the heritage in the submergence area of the
reservoir.

In fact,
some 'Dharmshalas' (places of residence for the pilgrims), rock scriptures,
unique craftsmanship on wood and stone still exist in the precincts of Badrinath
Temple complex. Nearby, the staircases of 'Ghats' reaching the innermost depths
of the confluence of Bhagirathi and Bhilanagana rivers still
exist.

The
meditation site of Swami Ramtirth, the rock known as the 'Elephant of Ram
Badshah', Bamrauni Cave, 'Gol Kothi' and Memorial still exist including the
'Ghanta Ghar' (Bell Tower) constructed in memory of the Golden Jubilee
celebrations of Queen Victoria, still exist.

The
'Ashtavakra Rishi Shilas', 'Gopeshwari Ling' and 'Raktavarna Ganesh Shila' on
the confluence of Bhagirathi and Bhilangana rivers including the 'Shish Mahal'
in Simlasu have already been submerged under the spate of water and
sand.

In one
of the Hindu treatise 'Kedarkhand', Tehri and the important adjoining places
find a mention in Hymns 146-147, which are tragically in the submergence area of
the Dam.

Legend
has it that Aadi Shankaracharya had been responsible for building the ancient
temple in Malidewal village of Bhagirathi Valley.

Annexure-I

Demand
Charter of MATU- Peoples'
Organisation

1. The
process of land acquisition should be time bound: - There
are many irregularities in its implementation. And as a result, people are
facing innumerable economic and psychological hardships.

2. The
process of land acquisition should be based on displacement and rehabilitation,
in that order: - So far,
the process has taken place without any regard to rules and regulations, and has
been heavily influenced by the whims of THDC and contractors. The land
acquisition process has been carried out in those villages where soil, stones
and other requirements for the construction of the Dam are being acquired. For
instance, in Badkot village of Bhilangana Valley, though land was acquired
earlier, the rehabilitation process took place much earlier in other villages.
Similarly, compensation for houses was paid later in Dobhan village, which would
be submerged first. These instances exemplify rampant corruption prevalent in
the corporation.

3. In case
any person identified as eligible for rehabilitation, passes away during land
acquisition process, the dependents of such a person should be considered as
eligible for rehabilitation.

4. All
adults of 18 years of age and above should be considered when section 4 is
applied: - The
submergence area has been consistently deprived of developmental activities for
the last 25 years. Consequently, the youth of the region has been deprived of
avenues for economic advancement. Therefore, the benefits of section 4 should be
equitably distributed among all those who are 18 years and
above.

The
erroneous policy of fixing eligibility criteria is that displaced people in the
age bracket of 70-80 years are eligible for compensation whereas their married
children and grand children are not entitled to rehabilitation benefits. The
tragedy is that if the eldest person of the household passes away, the household
receives some compensation of land. However, the rest of the family including
married children and grandchildren receive nothing in terms of rehabilitation /
compensation.

5. The
policy of land in lieu of land not measuring less than two acres or monetary
compensation which is often the rule in areas while displacing the original
inhabitants plays havoc with the life style of farmers as they are deprived of
their only means of subsistence. Various studies in India have reported that
cash compensation is no panacea, as it is spent on short-term consumer needs in
the absence of proper investment avenues in the rural areas. Wherever the farmer
community has been displaced in our country and has not been compensated by
land, experience shows that all such families have been
ruined.

6. Land
to be given prior to compensation for house: - It is
illogical to make compensation payments for houses before compensation is paid
for agricultural and homestead land. By the time people receive compensation
amount for land, the compensation amount for houses has already been spent. For
instance, the situation in Godi Sirai village, where compensation for houses had
been paid earlier and that for land later, the predicament of the displaced can
be starkly observed. Ironically, land is being distributed but at the rate of 2
and 1/2 Bighas instead of 2 acres as earlier promised.

7. The
rate for valuation of land should be determined on the basis of rates prevailing
in Uttarkashi, Chinyali Sourd and Chamba districts-the land of the displaced
people is valued at a much lower rate. The rates determined by the registry are
out of date. Land that is going to be submerged is valued at the same rate,
which prevails outside the developed areas beyond submergence. Developmental
works have been stalled for years as it is declared in the submergence
area.

8. The
G.O. on employment related provisions on rehabilitation should be activated
immediately. The G.O. of 28-12-1973 stipulates that the provision regarding
employment to be given to one member of the displaced family in the project or
other governmental agencies should be followed in letter and spirit. However,
the situation is just the reverse: outsiders have been recruited in the project
and they are facing the wrath of displaced unemployed. Unemployment has
registered a phenomenal increase without any developmental programmes in the
submergence area.

9. First
give us possession of the land, then acquire our land- Since
1978, displaced people living in rehabilitation sites have not received
registered deeds of the land. As a result, they are unable to avail loans and
other facilities from government and non-governmental agencies. Even in legal
matters they are handicapped since they are not eligible to take bail
etc.

10. A
village should be resettled as a community and should be provided with basic
amenities: -The
rehabilitation sites suffer from lack of basic civic amenities. Water, fuel and
fodder did not cost anything in the original villages. A village should be
considered as a unit for resettlement so that their life pattern is not
disrupted.

11. The
cut-off date far a village should be determined at par with the
Township- The
cut-off date for Tehri Township has been determined as 1985, whereas for
villages it is 1976. According to government claims, the rehabilitation process
has already been completed in Tehri Township.

In some
villages, Section 4 has not been applied. It is imperative that the cut off date
of the villages should be changed so as to bring them at par with the
Township.

12.
Immediate demarcation of boundaries should
be carried out in the partially affected villages of the region, particularly in
the Uttarkashi district.

13.
Others should not be displaced at the cost of our
rehabilitation, since
displacement is not only unethical but also traumatic. This is not only
violation of human rights of the displaced people, but often gives rise to
permanent hostilities with the original inhabitants.

14. A
Master Plan must be devised which
addresses the question of land and other resources and a work plan be prepared
to execute the same.

15.The
camps organised by the Rehabilitation Department should
be at the village level so that the villagers do not have to incur unnecessary
expenditure and waste their valuable time by running from pillar to
post.

16. After
determining all such farms including potato farms and tea gardens which are
running at a loss, should be handed over to the displaced
people.

17. The
displaced should be given priority in government horticulture
projects.

18. The
administration should be made responsible to ensure the right of information at
the village level.

19. The
process of public hearings on village problems should be
expedited.

20. The
height of the dam should not be increased as long as rehabilitation process is
not completed.

Annexure-II

Demand
Charter of Tehri Bhoomidhar Sangthan

(Tehri
Landowners' Organisation)

1.
Assistance for construction of houses:

A
minimum of Rs. 5 lakh should be granted at the rehabilitation sites in New Tehri
which is equivalent to the cost of a two room tenement in New
Tehri.

2.
Compensation: It
should be paid in accordance with the recommendations of Tehri Dam Project
Rehabilitation Coordination Committee and the Government of
Uttaranchal.

3.
Employment: One
member of each displaced family to be given employment.

4.
Compensation for Land: There
should be uniform compensation rates in the Township.

At
present, the compensation rates vary from ward to ward.

5.
Shops: Shop
owners should be provided with shops in accordance with the recommendations of
Dr. Hanumantha Rao Committee. Shop would also be allotted without cost to those
shop owners, who are not running the shop themselves.

6. Land
ownership rights should
be conferred on the distributed land.

7. The
recommendations of Dr. Hanumantha Rao Committee must be
implemented in toto.

8. A
comprehensive geological survey to
identify unstable areas should be conducted and houses should be insured at the
project cost.

+All
promises made to the people belonging to the displacement and affected areas
since the beginning of land and house acquisition process for construction of
Tehri Dam, relevant government orders, policies and the recommendations of Dr.
Hanumantha Rao Committee should be implemented in Toto. All the civic amenities
in the township and villages must be maintained till the last displaced person
is rehabilitated. A committee for investigating corruption cases and a grievance
cell as recommended by Dr. Hanumantha Rao Committee, which also found favor with
the government, must be immediately constituted.

+According
to the original policy, the displaced villagers should be given plots for
houses, 2 acres of agricultural land free of cost and instead of assistance for
construction of houses, the expenses for construction of houses should be borne
by the project. All the government order pertaining to employment should be
revived and the families of unemployed landowning displaced people should be
given commercial plots around the reservoir for development of tourism.
According to the original policy, commercial loans should be provided. Those
displaced villagers who have been given 1/2 acre of agricultural land, should be
given the rest of 1 and 1/2 acres of agricultural land at a different place or
cash payment should be made in lieu of it. A separate rehabilitation policy
should be enunciated to give relief to Raika, Khola, Jalwal Gaon and Kangsali
villages which fall in the landslide (rim) area. Immediate resolution of
complaints regarding eligibility for displaced villagers. Compensation should be
paid to small traders. An agreement should be signed by the Central Government
with the landowners and revenue rights should be conferred on residential and
agricultural land.

+In
accordance with the recommendation of Dr. Hanumantha Rao committee, newly
identified adult families should be declared separate and fully displaced and
provided with all the benefits of rehabilitation.

+Since
water level in the river rises significantly during the rainy season, the
landowners should be paid compensation and cost of housing on a war footing.
Safety of their life and property must be ensured. The link roads joining the
township with other areas should be opened for traffic and a viable
transportation system should be created. The fundamental and human rights of the
displaced should be defined and ensured. The construction of the dam should
cease till such time full and just rehabilitation has taken
place.

Resolution

Keeping
in view the terrible and bitter experiences of people due to displacement and
rehabilitation problems in Tehri, a pragmatic, participatory, human Master Plan
should be chalked out and a Work Plan should be devised to give effect to the
Master Plan on a war footing.

Annexure-IV

Dams in Uttarakhand

Hydroelectric Projects In
Uttaranchal

Existing
Projects

S.
N.

Name of
Project

Capacity

Agency

Comm
Date

River

1.

Maneri
Bhali St-I

90

UHPC

1984

Bhagirathi

2.

Dhakrani
Y St-I

33.75

State
Sec.

1965,66,70

Yamuna

3.

Khara

72

State
Sec

1992

NA

4.

Khodri

120

State
Sec.

1984

Yamuna

5.

Chilla

144

State
Sec.

1980,81

NA

6.

Ramganga

198

State
Sec.

1975,76,77

Ramganga

7.

Khulal
Y St- IV

30

State
Sec.

1975

Yamuna

8.

Dhalipur
Y St- I

51

State
Sec.

1965,66,70

Yamuna

9.

Patheri

20.4

State
Sec.

1955

Ganga
Canal

10.

Khatima

41.4

State
Sec.

1956

Sharda

11.

Chibro
Y St- II

240

State
Sec.

1975

Yamuna

12.

Tanakpur

120

NHPC

1992

Sharda

(Info Sources: Compendium of
Power Generating Plants, CEA, New Delhi, July 1997.)

Projects
under Construction

S. N.

Name of Project

Capacity

Agency

Info Sources

Comm Date

River

13.

Katapathar

19

State
Sec

Annexure-
IV, CEA

2005-06

NA

14.

Tehri
St- I

1000

THDC

Annexure-
IV, CEA

2003

Bhagirathi

15.

Tehri
Pump Storage

1000

THDC

TOI-D,23/12/01

NA

Bhagirathi

16.

Maneri
Bhali St- II

304

UHPC

TOI-D,
23/12/01

2003-05

Bhagirathi

17.

Dhauli
Ganga St- I

280

NHPC

NHPC
Brochure

2005

NA

18.

Koteswar

400

THDC

Annexure-
IV, CEA

NA

Bhagirathi

Projects
under planning

S. N.

Name of Project

Capacity

Agency

Info Sources

Comm Date

River

19.

Palmaneri

416

UHPC

TOI-D,23/12/01/ R Sahara- 13/01/02,
TOI-110902

NA

Bhagirathi

20.

Loharinagpala

520

THDC

TOI-D,23/12/01, TOI-D
11/09/02

NA

Bhagirathi

21.

Bharon
Ghati- II

240

UHPC

TOI-D,23/12/01

NA

Bhagirathi

22.

Bharon
Ghati- I

324

UHPC

TOI-D,
23/12/01

NA

Bhagirathi

23.

Lakhwar
Vyasi

420

UPHC

Annexure-
IV, CEA

10th
Plan

Yamuna

24.

Srinagar
(Duncans Group)

330

Private
Sec

Annexure-
IV, CEA

2005-06

Alaknanda

25.

Tapovan
Vishnugad

360

SANDRP
Database

NA

NA

26.

Tiuni
Plasu

42

UPHC

POP,
PPS, P-43

NA

NA

27.

Kishau
Dam

600

UPHC

TO-D,
23/12/01

NA

Yamuna

28.

Vishnu
Prayag (JP Group)

400

Private
Sec.

Annexure-
IV, CEA

10th
Plan

Alaknanda

29.

Arakot
Tiuni

70

UHPC

TOI-D
110902

NA

Pabar/Yamuna

30.

G
Ganga

70

NHPC

POP,
PPS, P-43

11th
Plan

NA

(POP, PPS: Power on Demand By
2012 Perspective Plan Studies, CEA, New Delhi, July 1999.

We had a
business of selling bangles in Tehri. Not only Muslims, but we used to sell
bangles to Hindu sisters as well. They used to buy their wedding and post
marriage requirements from us, but here in New Tehri a feeling has taken root
that they should buy only from Hindu traders. Our elders used to bathe in the
Ganges. But there is no Ganges out here. One of our elderly ladies used to light
earthen lamps known as diyas. But here in New Tehri, the situation is
entirely different. The Hindus went to one place and the Muslims are residing in
another place. In the houses constructed for the weaker sections, Hindus do not
inform about vacant rooms and the same goes for the Muslims. In Tehri people of
both the communities lived together. They used to participate in each other's
festivals. But the situation is different here. Last year the people of Tehri
had together celebrated Deepawali, Id and Christmas. In fact both Hindus and
Muslims used to take part in Ram Lila. But there is no community feeling here in
Tehri. People of both the communities used to help each other. I feel the soil
itself is bad here. Nobody recognises each other here. Every individual is
propelled by profit motive and self-seeking.To pull each other`s leg they foment
communal feelings. In Tehri people lived with good neighborly sentiments based
on universal brotherhood but here each person is guided by personal
benefit.

Mr. M.
Nautiyal, from Tehri and now in Ajabpur Kalan

There
are no basic civic amenities here. There in no hospital, primary school of or
public school. It consists of urban displaced families. It means quite a lot to
come to Dehradun from Tehri. This city does not have any avenues of employment.
This is an advanced place and people are going to face more difficulties after
the city has been declared capital of Uttaranchal. In Tehri, one could get odd
jobs every now and then. In Tehri every individual had a status and identify and
even if there was no employment, at least the person was secure at home. Here it
would take inordinately long time to get settled, as the life standard is quite
high. There has not been any perceptible increase in income even after moving to
the city. In fact, the question of increase in income does not arise as T.H.D.C
has not provided any employment opportunities. Displaced people are just eking
out an existence. Since Tehri township is anyway going to be submerged and
people are going to be displaced, people have only found a place of shelter and
are trying to make both ends meet. There are no employment avenues here. Where
we used to live in Tehri, people could earn something through agriculture or by
growing vegetables. The reality is that expenditure has increased here. If you
want to go to a place, you just cannot traverse the distance on foot, as was the
case earlier. The independence which we enjoyed in Tehri, is unparalleled. Our
children are forced to commute to school by buses or other means of transport.
There are private vehicles all around the city, whereas we used to walk on foot
in Tehri to reach various places.

In
Tehri, there were three playing fields. The children from the township are well
placed in life. Tehri was a good business center whereas even the market is
located at a distance of 5km here.

Harsh
Lal Aswal in Banjarawala, age 65 years.

We had
18 fruit bearing trees of mangoes, pomegranates, guava, apricot and khumani for
which a meager amount of Rs. 2,400 paid as compensation. In each season, 5
quintals of mangoes could be harvested from the mature mango trees and 25 kgs of
pomegranates could be picked. We had 5 trees of pomegranate, 2 trees of apricot,
3 trees of khumani and 8 trees of guava. We had tended these trees like our
children.

Mohan
Singh Negi in Bhaniawala, age 25 years, from Khand
village

The
displaced people have constructed their houses by taking loans. The cost of
construction has gone up considerably over the years. As a result, displaced
people are selling their houses. The day is not far off, when even a single
displaced person would be left in the area, as outsiders, particularly the
Biharis and Panjabis, are buying their land and houses.

Chandan
Singh Negi in Bhaniawala, age 78 years

Some
displaced families were given plots for houses, while in other cases it is
disputed. The agricultural land here is located at a distance of 3 kms. from
plots for houses. Neither the Irrigation Department nor THDC follow any rules.
Plots for houses have been distributed arbitrarily depending on who has access
to and which influential person has pushed the claim.

Nara
Devi, from Khand village, age 66 years

We
protested with black flags and even went to jail. We were sent to Dehradun,
Saharanpur and Bareilly jails from time to time. We all were in the movement.
The government has not taken any care about our future. If the government states
that Tehri would not be submerged, our submission is that give back our land. We
would immediately move over. Let our heaven be returned to us. We would be too
happy to go back. It is hell here. Even if a hut is available in heaven, our
hearts would feel contented. Here every material is adulterated. Whether you
construct New Tehri or Bhaniawala, the abode of the Gods would remain in Tehri
where we resided for generations. That is our place of worship and we will
worship there only. This new place is the abode of demons.

Pratipal
Singh Negi in Bhaniawala, from Athoor Patti, age 70
years

14
villages have been rehabilitated here, yet there is no Government High School.
Whereas in Tehri there was one Inter College for boys and another for
girls.

Sundari
Devi Thapliyal from Kandal village, age 68 years

There is
no water here. When we were rehabilitated, an assurance was given that soon
water will reach us, yet to date we have not received any water. Everything
grows here, including sugarcane. But if water is not there imagine what can grow
here. Many displaced families have already sold their
land.

:
Reference list:

Tehri
Dam-Rehabilitation Policy 1995-THDC

Tehri
Dam-Rehabilitation Policy 1995-THDC

Letter
of Geological Survey of India to THDC on Tehri Dam rim
area-1990

Dr.
Hanumantha Rao Committee Report-1997

Affidavits
filed by Uttarancahal Government in Supreme Court of India dated-February 2002
and September 2002

Affidavit
filed by THDC in Supreme Court of India dated-March 2002

Leaflet
of Tehri Bandh Virodhi Sangharsh Samiti

Master
Plan of New Tehri-1985-2005

Report
of Administrative Staff College on Tehri Dam-March 2002

Collection
of Government Order related with Tehri Dam-1982 and 1987-Rehbilitation
Department

History
of Tehri Garwal State (part1 & 2) In Hindi By Shiv Prasad
Dabral

Minutes
of the meeting dated--13-3-2000, headed by District Magistrate of Tehri.
Discussion on Tehri Dam cut-off-area.

Minutes
of the meeting dated28-1-2002, headed by Chief secretary of
Uttaranchal

Shifting
Plan, May 2002, for Tehri Town in Monsoon.

Information
from Municipal Corporation of Tehri

Information
from Flood Control office of New Tehri-September, 2002

Information
from Construction Dept. of Public Works Department, New
Tehri

Different
reports of South Asia Network on Dams, River & People
(SANDRP)

Fourth
Document

This
document is an attempt towards raising some of the significant issues. Serious
contemplation is required on these issues. Not only because Tehri Dam project is
being promoted under the pretext of development, though it is an alarming signal
of devastation. But contemplation and wide-ranging discussions become the need
of the hour since Uttarakhand projected as a source of bountiful energy, in
actuality, spells the destruction of existent perennial rivers, mountains and
their inhabitants.

The
document also emphasises that question of full rehabilitation is not an isolated
one. It is much more than that. Full rehabilitation of the displaced people is
chimerical since it is not going to be accomplished in the near future.
Manipulation of data, political ambitions, lack of adequate land and rampant
corruption reveal that the question of rehabilitation is not an isolated one.
Questions such as the cost-benefit ratio of the Dam, environmental devastation
and unpredictable seismic movements are as much related. The quantum of silt
accumulated in the reservoir is an indicator that it would seriously affect the
longevity of the Dam and consequently the amount of power generation would fall
far short of projected estimates, notwithstanding the claims of the project
authorities.

In this context, the following issues are most
topical:

όWhy the
reports of Geological Survey of India have not been made public so
far?

όWhy the
meeting of Co-ordination Committee on Rehabilitation has not been held for the
past one year?

όWhy the
Special Grievance Cell as recommended by Dr. Hanumantha Rao Committee and
approved by the Central Government, has still not been constituted?